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Edison Jr. Parade 1947.

Feb. 11, 1847

January, 1880

1929

President Herbert Hoover came to Fort Myers for Edisonís 82nd birthday and the Edison Bridge opened.

Oct. 18, 1931

Edison died in West Orange, N.J. He was 84.

Feb. 10-12, 1938

First Edison Pageant of Light was held. It included a jalopy derby, a street carnival, a cracker band contest and coronotation with a King, Queen and Royal Court. it was capped off with first ever Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade. There were seven bands, 50 float parade for a three mile trek through the streets of downtown Fort Myers. 12,000 people attended the parade, which was held in the daytime.

1942-45

Edison Pageant of Light was postoned due to WW II.

1946

A childrenís cornonation and baby parade were added to the festival. Edisonís widow, Mina, was recognized as the honored guest that year.

1947

Fort Myers had the Edison Centennial Celebration. The three-day event was extended to nine days and numberous activities were added. Fort Myers was also celebrating its centennial that year. Added events included golf tournament, shuffleboard tournaments, tennis matches and fireworks in the yacht basin. There were 27 floats, 21 marching bands and10,000 attended grand parade.

1953

The Grand Parade was moved to the evening and floats were equipped with lights to showcase decorated floats and the people on them.

1959

The event was revamped and the Edison Pageant of Light becames the Edison Festival of Pageant and Light.

1960's and 1970's

Venues changed for the coronations and balls, and the parade route changed based on the development of downtown Fort Myers.

1986

A Young Inventorís Fair was added so local school children could show off inventions and creations.

1988

50th anniversary of Edison Pageant of Light.

1989

After 51 years, the Edison Pageant of Light and the Edison Festival of Light divided into two separate entities.